Icelandic Road Trip Itineraries: The Ultimate Guide

Dreaming of an epic road trip through Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes? From thundering waterfalls to volcanic highlands, Iceland offers unforgettable routes for every traveler. Here’s your ultimate guide — packed with insider tips, expert advice, and hidden gems — to plan your perfect adventure on the road.

An Icelandic road trip lets you explore at your own pace, soaking up natural wonders that bus tours simply can’t reach. Whether it’s the famous Ring Road, the legendary Golden Circle, or the remote Westfjords, every mile is a memory in the making. Many road trips include stops at some of the best hot springs in Iceland.

👉 Pro Tip: With Saga Car Rental’s affordable 4x4 car rentals, you can access Iceland’s hidden F-roads and highland trails safely and legally.

The Ring Road (7–10 Days)

Day 1 usually begins in Reykjavík, giving you time to adjust and explore the city before heading out—there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavík before your road trip begins.

✅ Circumnavigate the entire island — a classic bucket-list adventure.
✅ Must-see stops:

• Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfalls
• Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Vatnajökull National Park & Diamond Beach
• Höfn’s lobster and coastal views
• East Fjords’ fishing villages
• Dettifoss waterfall
• Mývatn geothermal area
• Akureyri city
• Hraunfossar & Barnafoss waterfalls
• Borgarfjörður Eystri for puffin watching (optional)
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula (optional)

👉 Optional stops if you have time:

• Westfjords detour
• Húsavík for whale watching
• Þórsmörk hiking trails

The Golden Circle (1–2 Days)

✅ The Golden Circle includes attractions like Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall.
👉 Optional stops if you have time:

• Secret Lagoon hot spring
• Kerið volcanic crater
• Friðheimar tomato farm

The South Coast Adventure (3–5 Days)

✅ Iceland's South Coast is comprised of Black sand beaches at Reynisfjara, waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, Vatnajökull National Park.
👉 Optional stops if you have time:

• Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
• Sólheimasandur plane wreck
• Skaftafell National Park hiking trails

The Westfjords (4–7 Days)

✅ Dramatic cliffs, puffins, hot springs, Dynjandi waterfall, Rauðisandur beach, Látrabjarg cliffs.
👉 Optional stops if you have time:

• Ísafjörður town
• Drangajökull glacier hike
• Hot springs in Krossneslaug

The Highlands & F-Roads (4x4 Only)

✅ Landmannalaugar’s colorful rhyolite mountains, Askja Caldera, Sprengisandur desert crossing.
👉 Optional stops if you have time:

• Þórsmörk valley
• Hveravellir geothermal area
• Kerlingarfjöll geothermal mountain range

👉 Book your rugged 4x4 at Saga Car Rental.

Yes — if you plan to explore the highlands or any F-roads. These rugged mountain roads are only accessible by 4x4 and are often closed in winter.
👉 Learn more about our affordable 4x4 rentals.

✅ Choose the Right Vehicle: From compact cars to SUVs, find your match in our fleet.
✅ Pack Smart:

• Layers of warm clothes
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Snacks and water
• Paper map (some areas have limited service)

✅ Check the Road Conditions: Visit road.is daily for updates.
✅ Budget Wisely: Fuel, food, and accommodations add up — plan accordingly.

👉 For extra protection, explore our insurance options.

Saga Car Rental is your trusted partner. With our convenient locations near Keflavík International Airport, plus a wide range of vehicles, you’ll hit the road stress-free.

• Ring Road: Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón, Dettifoss, Mývatn, Akureyri, Hraunfossar.
• Golden Circle: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss.
• South Coast: Reynisfjara, Vatnajökull, Diamond Beach.
• Westfjords: Dynjandi, Látrabjarg, Rauðisandur.
• Highlands: Landmannalaugar, Askja, Sprengisandur.

👉 Need more inspiration? Explore our Driving in Iceland Blog.